As Tall As Lions – You Can’t Take It With You (Music Review)

By Andrew Duncan • Jul 18th, 2009 • Category: Alternative, Reviews And Essays

As Tall As Lions
You Can’t Take It With You
Triple Crown
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

As Tall As Lions returns with an album that is so rich in musical flavor, it’s unreal. Taking three years from their sophomore self-titled release, the band has re-discovered a certain degree of grit to their songs. You Can’t Take It With You builds a bond between the humanistic nature of the group and one exceptional studio recording.

From the opener “Circles,” it not only gives us an idea of where they left off, but sets us up with what is to be expected from the majority of this album — gripping power rock expressionism that will simply blow you away.

The Beach Boys-like harmony — if the Beach Boys listened to Lenny Kravitz’ Are You Gonna Go My Way — blends flawlessly with Daniel Nigro’s rich vocal range to create a wide landscape of musical vérité.

“In Case Of Rapture” feeds off of a brooding drum beat and wailing Nigro wrapped around guitar feedback. “Duermerte” is a beautiful ballad that rubs like silk. Then there is the title track that is a seductive adventure of expensive cologne and Hollywood hills designer one-night stands. But As Tall As Lions are from New York City, and the city is as much a cause as it is an effect.

Even though the closing songs are more exploratory than the beginning, drifting away from the overall theme the band establishes, this is the way an indie rock album should be – full of life and expression with a solid sound.

As Tall As Lions

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Andrew Duncan is a journalist who has migrated to the forces of academia. He has written for various publications including Chord, Heckler, Readyset...Aesthetic, and a vast array of alternative press contributions. When not roaming the streets of Indianapolis, he is either addicted to KXCI, making music, or striving to watch every film listed on IMDB.
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28 Responses »

  1. Chastity on July 20th, 2009 at 1:27 pm:

    a wonderful review for a wonderful band. Thank you.

  2. Anna on July 22nd, 2009 at 10:19 pm:

    Great review. I’m so excited to hear this album in full, especially after hearing “In Case of Rapture”.

  3. mjp75 on July 22nd, 2009 at 11:29 pm:

    as if I needed an excellent review such as this to enhance my excitement for their new album even more. The release date cannot come soon enough, the review seems to confirm my high expectations

  4. JessWhoo on July 23rd, 2009 at 5:57 am:

    Love the The Beach Boys meets Lenny Kravitz analogy.

  5. Jeffrey Kapochus on July 24th, 2009 at 8:12 am:

    I’m glad to hear that the album is good! 4 out of 5 is awesome! I’m so glad I preordered the deluxe edition already! Good to hear that they do a little experimentation toward the end, too!

  6. isaac casto on July 24th, 2009 at 8:24 am:

    the first two songs they released are incredible. i can’t wait to hear the new album.

  7. ck354696 on July 24th, 2009 at 1:39 pm:

    i have been dying to own this album since the first time i heard circles. i cannot wait. great review.

  8. elena on July 25th, 2009 at 10:19 am:

    great review, can’t wait to hear this album.

  9. pogofuk on July 26th, 2009 at 4:15 pm:

    good job writing the review, arent As tall as lions from long island not nyc?

  10. Rogers on July 27th, 2009 at 3:22 pm:

    so stoked. ATAL never disappoints.

  11. Elizabeth on July 28th, 2009 at 1:21 pm:

    To say that this is a highly anticipated album would be an understatement and reading this review makes me even more excited to hear the final product!

    ATAL are not only highly skilled musicians, but they are able to transport the listener into a lush soundscape. Each CD that they’ve released has taken me on a different journey. Can’t wait to see where “You Can’t Take It With You” will take me.

  12. Keagan on July 28th, 2009 at 9:08 pm:

    This album is going to be one of the years best. The band continues to push themselves to new levels.

  13. thom on July 28th, 2009 at 9:19 pm:

    Good review, i have no doubt that it is spot on

  14. reid on July 30th, 2009 at 9:04 am:

    Maybe the review was a little short, but I’m very excited about the album, especially after the self-titled album.

  15. loofa on July 31st, 2009 at 10:27 am:

    I can’t wait to listen to this album. I am very excited.

  16. darthmrazer on July 31st, 2009 at 11:23 am:

    full of life & expression with a solid sound. FASHO!!

  17. michael schulz on July 31st, 2009 at 12:02 pm:

    i love the new song circles off this album

  18. iambaker on August 2nd, 2009 at 8:34 am:

    I think the final sentence sums ATAL up pretty nicely: “…this is the way an indie rock album should be – full of life and expression with a solid sound.” I am really excited for this new album.

  19. Nick on August 2nd, 2009 at 2:32 pm:

    This band is what so many listeners have been looking for. The new album is sure to blow your mind and set them as one of the great bands of our time.

  20. whythankayou on August 2nd, 2009 at 5:45 pm:

    Absolutely cannot wait for this. Really rooting for the hometown boys!

  21. Jennifer on August 4th, 2009 at 2:57 pm:

    Thanks for the great review. I’m so excited for the 14th. Go ATAL!

  22. JayMan04 on August 5th, 2009 at 12:58 am:

    great review! so excited for the album!

  23. Julia on August 5th, 2009 at 10:20 am:

    Great review! I’ve been anxiously awaiting a new album for so long, and it seems like I won’t be disappointed :)

  24. Dustin on August 5th, 2009 at 1:14 pm:

    13 days away from the experience… new listeners, new sound, same old good vibes.

  25. Angela on August 5th, 2009 at 5:37 pm:

    This much anticipated album is going to do very well. I’ve already ordered my clear vinyls, I cant wait until they come.

  26. lorafinn on August 5th, 2009 at 10:06 pm:

    wow amazing review! as tall as lions have really out done themselves, this album is going to be fantastic I cannot wait :)

  27. Cassielee on August 8th, 2009 at 4:55 pm:

    awesome review! I’m so excited to hear it!
    Just when you think they can’t get any better- out comes the new album.

    xx

  28. zoe on August 17th, 2009 at 11:50 am:

    i preordered this record a while ago and received it on saturday. i have not stopped listening to it since. ive been a fan of theirs for quite some time now, and You Cant Take it With You really excites me. i highly suggest you go go buy it tomorrow when its released. one of the best albums of 09 hands down.

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